Chinese expert consensus on the diagnostic definition of cerebral palsy

To standardise the diagnostic criteria for cerebral palsy (CP) in China by resolving key ambiguities surrounding the timing of brain injury, the definition of non-progressiveness and the role of genetic aetiologies.

A modified Delphi process was conducted in 2025 by the Rehabilitation Subspecialty Group of the Chinese Pediatric Society. Thirty-three national experts in paediatric neurology, rehabilitation, genetics and epidemiology participated. The process included literature review, iterative statement drafting and two rounds of anonymous voting. Consensus was defined as ≥80% agreement.

Three diagnostic pillars were established: (1) a non-progressive injury to the developing brain occurring from the embryonic period through age 3; (2) non-progressive nature is defined by the absence of regression of previously acquired motor milestones through age 5 and (3) genetic factors are integral to CP pathogenesis and may justify classification as 'CP due to genetic variation' when specific criteria are met. Cerebral MRI, General Movements Assessment and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination were highlighted as key tools for early diagnosis.

This updated expert consensus aligns national CP diagnostic criteria with current advances in neurodevelopmental and genomic science. It supports early, accurate diagnosis, guides genetic evaluation and promotes harmonised clinical practice across Chinese healthcare systems.